It's a tough call I know. It sounds like you have a handle on it. I'd simply
keep a close eye on the situation and make sure you're involved with a good
doctor while you're doing it.
All the best
Dudley
"Matt Whiting" wrote in message
...
Dudley Henriques wrote:
My advice on this is not to concentrate on any devices being developed
and instead align yourself with the best neurosurgeon you can find. That
surgeon will have you get a current cat scan of your spine and diagnose
an EXACT PROCEDURE based on what is indicated by the scan.
There is no one procedure for a spinal problem. Studying new devices is
worthless without that scan being in the equation.
Best of luck with this. I know what you are going through, believe me.

I went through all of this when the problem first arose 9 years ago (I was
37 then, 46 now). I visited several othopedic and neurosurgeons (two of
each). Had both CAT and MRI.

I have 4 disks that are nearly gone. It is very easy to see on the CAT
scan. The disks are nearly touching each other. They told me they could
operate and scrap out the bulged parts of the disk that was causing the
sciatica and numbness in my foot, but that was a temporary solution at
best. And there was a risk of paralysis or development of scar tissue
that could leave me worse off than when I started. Fusion was a more
permanent option, but that cost me X degrees of mobility with every disk
fused, and I likely would have had to have at least 3 and possibly 4 done.

They all recommended against surgery until one of these happened:
1. The numbness progressed to more than my toes and top of foot
2. Loss of muscle strength/control occured
3. The pain became unbearable.

Fortunately, 1 and 2 haven't happened yet (I get checked every year) and
I've got a high tolerance for pain so 3 won't occur for a while. I do the
Mckenzie exercises that were recommended and use a lumbar support in my
chairs and this keeps things under control for the most part.

The problem is that the day will come when 1 or 2 above happens and then
"watchful waiting" is no longer an option. I just hope I can have an
option to fusion when the surgery is required. That is why I keep
watching the progress of the artificial disks. If I can hold out 8-10
more years, I think they'll be viable.

Matt